- Rajat Bhatnagar
It is really good to speak and hear Hindi from time to time. With InterNations I got to know compatriots in Athens and Thessaloniki.
The Reality of Expat Life in Athens: What to Expect
The morning sun lights up the ancient marble columns as you stroll to your favorite café. This is everyday life in Athens for the 1.3 million residents who call this city home, a place where ancient history blends in with the energy of modern urban living.
But what’s it really like living here? As the largest community for expats worldwide, we’ll take you through the highlights and challenges of expat life in Athens, along with our Q&A section and tips on joining our Athens Community. Ready to discover if Athens could be your next home? Let’s get started!
Why you'll love InterNations in Athens
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
Pro's and cons of living in Athens as an expat
Pros:
Improved work–life balance: Over two-thirds of expats (69%) are satisfied with their work-life balance, a key positive aspect of life in Athens.
Great food at affordable prices: Athens offers a wide variety of delicious and affordable dining options, making it a great city for food lovers.
Rich in history: If you’re a fan of ancient history, Athens is a dream. The city is full of historical sites and museums, with discounted ticket prices during off-peak months.
Mild winters: Athens enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, temperate winters; a relief for those who dislike cold weather.
Lower cost of living: Compared to other European capitals, Athens is rather affordable. In Mercer’s Cost of Living City Ranking 2024, it placed 104 out of 226 cities worldwide (the higher the rank, the more expensive a city).
Cons:
Struggling local economy: The local economy remains a challenge, with 41% of expats expressing dissatisfaction, far exceeding the global average of 17%.
Few career prospects: In 2023, 42% of expats were unhappy with the local job market and 34% felt uncertain about their job security.
Language barrier for long-term stays: Learning Greek can be challenging due to its unique alphabet, making it harder for long-term residents to fully integrate.
Overcrowded with tourists: Athens attracts large numbers of tourists, especially in the summer. This not only leads to overcrowding at historical sites, but also to higher prices for goods and services.
Hot, dry summers: While winters are mild, summers in Athens can be extremely hot and dry, sometimes reaching uncomfortable levels and increasing the risk of wildfires.
Frequent strikes and demonstrations: Strikes and protests are common, often used as a way for locals to voice public concerns. While usually peaceful, they can disrupt daily routines, including public transportation and services.
Join our exciting events for expats in Athens
Here at InterNations, we go the extra mile to help you feel at home in Athens with a series of engaging expat events. Expand your social circle, get local insights, and ease your transition into this amazing city by making new connections and finding friends in our international community. No matter if you came to Athens for work, love, or adventure, you’ll fit right in with our friendly group.
So, why not join us at our next gathering?
Want to see all the upcoming events in Athens?
Frequently asked questions about living in Athens as an expat
Athens offers a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, making it a great city for expats.
Syntagma and Monastiraki: Ideal for those who prefer a central location with easy access to historical sites and public transportation.
Chalandri: A quieter, family-friendly suburban area with everything you need close by.
Aigáleo and Peristeri: On a budget? Aigáleo and Peristeri are great options located a short distance from the city center.
Kolonaki and Kifissia: Perfect for a more luxurious lifestyle, known for upscale shopping and dining options.
Plaka and Exarcheia: Great for those seeking a creative, bohemian atmosphere, with charm and artistic flair.
Athens isn’t your typical European capital when it comes to costs. As of 2024, it’s much easier on the wallet. The table below gives a first idea of what you might spend in Athens.
| USD per month | Local currency (EUR) | |
Studio apartment | 180–210 USD | 175–200 EUR |
Small family home | 630–680 USD | 600–650 EUR |
Utilities | 490–550 USD | 470–520 EUR |
Public transportation | 35 USD | 30 EUR |
Mobile phone & internet | 35 USD | 55–70 EUR |
Meal at a restaurant | 15-50 USD | 15–40 EUR |
The best way to get around Athens really depends on where you’re staying. For most expats, the metro is the easiest and most efficient way, with stops of its three lines ranging all the way from Kifissia in the north to Elliniko in the south.
You’ll need an ATH.ENA Ticket or a reloadable ATH.ENA Card, which also works for buses, trolleybuses, tram services, as well as the urban zone of the suburban train system (called Proastiakos). If you’re traveling further away from the center, you’ll have to get a ticket issued by Hellenic Train.
In the city center, walking is a great option. Athens is very walkable, and you might stumble upon cafes and shops along the way that you would otherwise miss. You can also rent a bike or use Uber, which works just like a regular taxi but allows for cashless payments. A taxi will cost 1.80 EUR as a base fare, plus 0.90 EUR for every kilometer during the day. Prices are higher at night or on special holidays.
For airport transfers, the X95 bus or the metro line 3 are regular, affordable options.
You don’t necessarily need to speak Greek to live in Athens. Many locals, especially younger generations and those in tourist areas, speak English. You’ll find that most everyday interactions, like shopping or using public services, can easily be handled in English. Even professionals such as lawyers and accountants often work in both languages.
However, learning some Greek can be helpful and will be appreciated by locals. While people may respond to you in English if your local language skills aren’t quite there yet, making an effort to speak Greek is a nice gesture and helps you to get to know the country even better.
Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Athens
Meet other expats like you in Athens
Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Beyond our regular events, InterNations Athens offers smaller, more personal groups that help you explore your interests while connecting with other expats. Our Arts and Culture Group, for instance, takes you inside the creative heart of the city through activities like gallery visits and live performances.
Love good food and drinks? The Food-Wine-Cocktail Lovers Group is your ticket to discovering Greek flavors. If you enjoy staying active, our Great Outdoors and Indoors Group organizes trips both in and around the city, such as hiking in the nearby hills or planning weekend adventures. You’ll have the chance to explore Greece’s natural beauty with a friendly group.
Each of these groups (and many more!) provides you with a welcoming space to do what you love while making lasting connections at their activities. Come join us, there’s always room for one more!
Share your hobbies and interests with expats in Athens
Join our global network of people living abroad
InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 510 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Khobar (Eastern Prov.) or Shanghai, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
- Rajat Bhatnagar
It is really good to speak and hear Hindi from time to time. With InterNations I got to know compatriots in Athens and Thessaloniki.
- Amelie Barreau
InterNations members are really helpful and provided us with valuable tips about the international schools in Athens.
